A Comprehensive Study of the Impact of Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Modeling and Control on Protection Relay Elements

Technical Report · Mon Nov 17 00:00:00 EST 2025

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/3011876· OSTI ID:3011876

Wang, Jing ^[1]; Pinheiro, Paulo Henrique ^[2]; Chakraborty, Soham ^[1]; Johnson, Brian ^[2]; Goncalves Bainy, Romulo ^[2]; Hoke, Andy ^[1]

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1. National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
2. University of Idaho

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) exhibit fault responses that differ significantly from those of synchronous generators, which can challenge the reliable operation of many commonly used power system protection elements. The fault response of IBRs is primarily influenced by their control algorithms and configurations, but the impact of these controls on protection relays is not yet fully understood. This presentation provides a comprehensive study of how IBR modeling and controls affect transmission line protection. Key modeling and control aspects include the DC source, inverter model, power level control, current control, and current limiting. The study reveals that certain aspects - such as the type of DC source (battery, PV, or hybrid), inverter model (average vs. switching), and power level control methods (PQ dispatch vs. Vdc-Vac control for grid-following IBRs, and droop vs. VSM for grid-forming IBRs) - do not significantly affect relay response. However, faster control loops, such as current control and current limiting, do influence the relay behavior. Additionally, the study explores the effects of other factors, including momentary cessation, operating points, fast/slow current responses, and grid strength on relay performance. Finally, the study offers recommendations for both IBR and protection engineers to improve IBR fault response and enhance the reliability of protection systems.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 3011876
• Report Number(s): NREL/TP-5D00-94430
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
IEEE 2800 compliant negative sequence current
differential element
direction element
distrance element
transmission line protection